'An amazing sense of community’ and ‘just like Glastonbury’ were just some of the verdicts on the Sandridge900 Midsummer Gala which took place on Saturday.

The nine hours of fun to celebrate 900 years of Sandridge Parish in Jersey Farm Woodland Park were opened by Reverend Em Coley, Vicar of St Leonard’s Church, who welcomed crowds of all ages from across the district.

Harpenden MP Peter Lilley later took the salute from the Brentwood Royal British Legion Youth Marching Band, while the arena featured Maypole dancing by Sandridge School pupils, the Watford Eclipse Majorettes and Judo and Zumba Dancing from local clubs as well as a tug-of-war contest.

The Gala was organised by a committee chaired by Kathy Tilney and supported by Sandridge Parish Council and several local sponsors.

Vivian Nutton, committee chairman said: "We are immensely grateful to the organisers and to all those who contributed to making this yet another wonderful event in our seven-month celebrations. "

Other highlights included the return of trebuchets, craft, art and plant stalls, a zipwire, miniature steam train, hoopla and a growing Knitted Village. Visitors could also speak to radio hams all round the world at the special radio station set up by Verulam Amateur Radio Club.

There was also live music from a Salsa Band and the BeauSandVer community jazz band playing swing, followed by two hours of rock covers from local band Straight Life.

The Mayoral Consort, Moira Seton, will be making her own personal contribution to Sandridge900+ next Saturday (June 28) when she will be part of the Village Voices team carrying an audience on a Musical Journey through the Millennium at St Leonard’s Church in Sandridge from 7.30pm.

To find out more about Sandridge900 celebrations visit www.sandridge900.com.